WHO IS PLAY WITH FIRE IMPROV?

It’s me! Cameron. This is where I put you at ease that you’re in good hands.

I used to be anxious. All the time. It affected everything from my ability to present scripts as a copywriter in advertising, all the way to my ability to leave the house without panicking. It was who I thought I was, and always would be. Then improv changed my life.

Now I use improv to help corporate clients, groups, and hundreds of individuals connect and bond with others, make bold creative choices, and find the courage to be their best selves.

Cam Algie

• Professor of Play at Play with Fire Improv• Instructor, and Founder of the Improv for Anxiety program at Second City Toronto• Professor of Presentation Skills at Seneca College• Improviser for over 12 years, studying and performing across North America• Advertising copywriter for 12 years• Former anxious person (over 30 years’ experience)

“I felt I had to be perfect all the time. To constantly be better than I was yesterday and always growing and improving. It was a lot of pressure. I hated it. I hated life. Improv showed me mistakes were okay.”

“Nerves can be crippling. And I know it was nerves that kept me from going into comedy full time until a couple of years ago.” – Carla Collins

BENEFITS OF IMPROV FOR MENTAL HEALTH

A 2014 government survey showed that an estimated 3 million Canadians (18+) reported they had a mood and/or anxiety disorder. And those numbers are probably low. When you factor in the stigma of mental health issues, the fact that almost half of people say they’ve never gone to see a doctor about their issues, most people end up suffering alone before admitting what would be perceived as a “weakness.”

While few scientific studies exist, improv and play have been shown to help:

Relieve stress and anxiety

Stimulate brain function and boost creativity

Improve relationships and your connection with others

Enhance your ability to take risks and try new things

Relax the body and keep you energized

Release endorphins (making you feel good) and boost the immune system

It changed my life (read my story here). And I’ve personally seen it change the lives of others. Improv is like going to therapy, and having fun at the same time.

Laughter truly is the best medicine.

I started taking Cam’s improv classes to improve my confidence being in front of people and reduce my social anxiety. Within weeks, I noticed a marked improvement in my self-perception as my mind opened to who I really was, and what I’m capable of when I say “yes” to myself and others. Improv has changed my life.